The DOI matches its Crossref record.
The tale of the sword – swords and swordfighters in Bronze Age Europe
Abstract
In this article it is demonstrated through empirical observation that Bronze Age swords were functional and efficient weapons. Their use in real combat is testified by recurring patterns of blade damage and resharpening. Furthermore, ritual depositions of swords with unrepaired scars on the blade demonstrate the prehistoric roots of the Celtic–Germanic–Greek ritual of sacrificing weapons after a victorious fight.
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This pattern is compatible with models positing increased integration of settlement systems with exchange and communication networks in the Bronze Age.
“This pattern is compatible with models positing increased integration of settlement systems with exchange and communication networks in the Bronze Age (Frei et al. 2019, Furholt 2021, Kristiansen 2002, Kristiansen and Larsson 2005, Miera 2025, Miera et al. 2019).”
From Comparing Connectivity Patterns in Prehistoric Germany by Means of Network Analysis, Artefact and Site Distribution and a Reassessment of Human Mobility ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) (2026) · cites this paper as Kristiansen 2002
Major corridors played a role in the circulation and deposition of martial prestige goods.
“underscoring the role of major corridors in the circulation and deposition of martial prestige goods (Horn and Kristiansen 2018, Kristiansen 2002, Suchowska-Ducke 2015).”
From Comparing Connectivity Patterns in Prehistoric Germany by Means of Network Analysis, Artefact and Site Distribution and a Reassessment of Human Mobility ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) (2026) · cites this paper as Kristiansen 2002
Use-wear and evidence for interpersonal violence indicate Bronze Age swords also served practical combat functions.
“Although primarily prestige objects, use-wear and evidence for interpersonal violence indicate swords also served practical combat functions (Horn andKristiansen 2018, Kristiansen 2002).”
From Comparing Connectivity Patterns in Prehistoric Germany by Means of Network Analysis, Artefact and Site Distribution and a Reassessment of Human Mobility ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) (2026) · cites this paper as Kristiansen 2002
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BECOMING GENDERED IN EUROPEAN PREHISTORY: WAS NEOLITHIC GENDER FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERENT?
Robb, J., & Harris, O. J. T. (2018) · American Antiquity · doi:10.1017/aaq.2017.54 · Cited by 66
Schjerven, N., Bilotti, G., Kempf, M., & Reiter, S. S. (2026) · OPEN Archaeology · doi:10.1515/opar-2025-0077
Metadata
- Authors
- Kristiansen, K.
- Venue
- Oxford Journal of Archaeology
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2002-11
- Volume
- 21
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 319-332
- ISSN
- 0262-5253
- 1468-0092
- Cited by
- 88
- References
- 0
- Language
- en
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